What did I say I would do?

I have a page called Ideas for projects. I set it up a year ago hoping that if I listed what I wanted to do it might focus my attention. Furthermore I planned to use the cute strikethrough feature provided by WordPress once I completed a project.

Some were pattern cutting challenges. Some were items I needed to finish or alter. A few were clothes I promised to make for my son, daughter, mother or step daughter. Many ideas were generated as I sewed and pondered. The ideas kept coming and the list kept growing. I soon realised I would never achieve everything. I completed around a third of what I listed. Then I started ignoring the list. It wasn’t a “plan” – just a set of “fancies”.

Fancies

The essential difference between a notion, a fancy, a desire on the one hand, and a “plan” on the other, is that the plan takes the idea and turns it into something that is meant to happen. My project ideas were underdeveloped, just impulsive, ethereal thoughts, passing through my imagination, not yet worked through. I think the strength of the Sewing with a Plan approach is that by giving two months for planning and four for sewing it puts a lot of emphasis on planning. It tries to counteract the seamstress’s version of the impulse buy.

My 2015 SWAP plan addressed my need for suits for work; my older suits are well-worn and tired. The SWAP has been helpful (both years) in forcing me to create work outfits that I actually wear on a regular basis.

Since Kondoing my wardrobe I have concluded with that I don’t need many more outfits. However there are a few things I am missing, as I develop my plan for the next six months.

My skirts and jackets

I am thinking of applying the SWAP philiosphy to rest of my sewing time.

I want to set myself some criteria and allow myself six months to deliver it. I enjoy the thinking and planning process as much as I enjoy the making up. I am a “slow sewing” rather than “fast food” type person so I don’t mind if it takes a little longer. I want to make clothes that I will love wearing for a long time and I want to make items that stretch my skills and abilities.

But, before I finalise my plans, let’s Kondo a list! Here is what I currently have on my project page. I have italicised the few items I want to save.

Now I have considered the 6 PAC, the 30 piece wardrobe, and my varied desires and duties I will pare it all back. Next week I am going to “discard” this long list and publish one that I actually plan to deliver.

Susan

When I saw the title I started laughing…NOT at you but at me! Oh the things I do when I am supposed to be sleeping! Then I looked at all your highlighted ones and got some MORE ideas……..thanks, I think….